HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2014-07-30COMMON COUNCIL
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Committee of the Whole Meeting 6:00 p.m. July 30, 2014
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (9) Brock, McGonigal, Murtagh, McCollister, Smith, Kerslick, Martell, Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk — Conley Holcomb
GIAC Director — Marcia Fort
GIAC Board Members: Audrey Cooper, Rise Nelson Burrow (Co- Chair), Christine Christian (Co-
Chair), Dr. James Turner, Warren Schlesinger, Denise Lee, Samantha Little
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Fleming
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Presentation of GIAC Strategic Plan:
GIAC Director Fort introduced members of the GIAC Board of Directors. Together, they
reviewed the mission and history of GIAC and the role and responsibilities of the GIAC Board.
GIAC Director Fort and members of the GIAC Board reviewed the various programs, services,
and special events that GIAC provides to people of all ages.
GIAC staff and Board members began the process of developing a 3 -5 year strategic plan,
framing goals, objectives, and strategies, in 2013. This was in response to the announcement of
the retirement of GIAC Director Marcia Fort in 2015, and the upcoming resignations of key long-
term leaders on the GIAC Board within the next few years. The strategic planning process was
led by consultants Laura Branca and Kirby Edmonds of TFC Associates and included many
different focus groups. They identified seven strategic goals for 2014 -2019:
• Succession plan for new Director and Board members
• Maintain current structure and re- invigorate original partnership
• Preserve and strengthen current programs and services
• Strengthen the community's capacity to meet emerging needs
• Add a job- readiness component tied to incubating business enterprises
• Public relations and marketing campaign
• Continue to be a valued neighbor
A brief question and answer period followed regarding the challenges of supporting people who
are moving further away from the core of the city because they can't find affordable housing; the
rate of investment vs. the rate of return on GIAC's programs; the private contributions received
that allow GIAC to support as many children and activities as it does; and the continued
collaboration between GIAC and the Ithaca Youth Bureau that includes pooling resources to
support young people through a variety of means.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb, CIVIC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor